NEWPORT, R.I. — Seventh-seeded Steve Johnson beat Michael Berrer of Germany 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-2 in the opening round of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships on Monday.
Johnson is one of four seeded Americans slated to play this week. Two-time Newport champion and top-seeded John Isner, No. 4-seeded Jack Sock, No. 6 Sam Querrey and No. 8 Tim Smyczek are scheduled to play their opening matches later this week.
Johnson broke Berrer's serve in the third game of the second set to take control. Berrer failed to hold serve the rest of the set, then was broken two more times in the third.